Pages

Friday, August 30, 2013

Fabulous Friday Feature - Jody Hedlund

Today I welcome Jody Hedlund,whose characters nagged her until she wrote their story.

Enter to win Jody's September 2013 release,

Rebellious HeartScroll to the end of the post to see how to enter.

I keep a close eye on books about to be published. When I saw Jody's book would be released in September I just had to invite her to visit with us. I am so deeply honored she said "Yes." I asked Jody to share with us the journey God has led her on for her writing career. Here is what she said:

I Knew I Was Getting Close!

Like many writers I
was born with a pen in my hand. I filled notebooks with stories when I was
growing up.

My passion for writing followed me into adulthood. I wanted to be an author.
But like most aspiring writers, I struggled to know how I could use my gifts
and abilities in a career. When my college years came, I knew I would need a
career that could pay the bills while I worked on my novels. So I went to
Taylor University in Indiana and then eventually to the University of Wisconsin
in Madison where I got my Masters in Social Work.

I kept writing and learning about writing during the years when I worked as a
social worker. And it was during those post-college years, when I was working
and before I had kids, that I really studied the craft of writing. I read
every how-to book about fiction techniques I could get my hands on.

During that pre-child
time, I also wrote five books. The last of those five books garnered attention
from an editor at a publishing house but was eventually rejected. So I knew I
was getting close to being ready for publication.

While the rejection
was discouraging, I also knew that most writers have to write numerous books
before they’re finally good enough for publication. I never looked at those
early books as wasted attempts. Instead I viewed them as preparation and
training for growing into a skillful author.

But as life (and God) would have it, I ended up taking a long writing hiatus.
Shortly after the birth of my twins, I set aside my writing completely for
about seven years. As I now look back over those years, I can see how much the
hiatus helped me grow personally, spiritually, and deepened my life
experiences.

The first book I wrote after my seven year break was The
Preacher’s Bride. At the time I wrote the book, my youngest two
children were still very little, so I had to sneak in writing during nap time
and in the evenings after their bedtime. In all, the book took me about a
year to complete, writing only about 500 words a day.

After my long break, I didn't know how I compared with other authors. And quite
frankly, I wasn't sure if my writing skills were up to par. I hemmed and hawed
and finally decided it wouldn’t hurt to send my manuscript out to publishers
and see what happened. So I turned on my handy internet and began researching
publishers.

Times had changed drastically since I’d queried and submitted years before. I
quickly learned that most publishers didn’t accept unsolicited manuscripts,
that I would likely need to get an agent if I had any hope of getting into a
bigger traditional publisher. And so, I began to compile a list of agents who
represented inspirational fiction and sent out the queries.

Slowly the rejections trickled back in. The Preacher’s Bride was
rejected by every agent I sent it to . . .

Except one.

Only one agent showed an interest, a fairly new agent, who at that time was
still building her client list. She told me she liked my query and asked me to
send her the entire manuscript. So I did. But I was still very naïve and
checked my email several times a day, excited and yet nervous all at the same
time.

One week passed in to two. And then three. And then four. Months passed. And I
didn’t hear one word from the agent.

In the meantime, I decided I would keep writing. So that year, as The
Preacher’s Bride continued to languish in the agent’s slush pile, I put
my heart and soul into writing another book.

So how did I finally get my big break?

I entered the Genesis
contest through ACFW in 2009. And The Preacher’s Bride and the other
manuscript I had just completed finaled. Once I received the exciting phone
call about my final, I contacted the agent that had The Preacher’s Bride
in her slush pile and updated her on the status.

Fortunately the final perked her attention and she pulled my manuscript, read
it, and three days later called and offered me representation. Three months
later I signed a contract with Bethany House publishers. And they offered me a three
book deal.

Now in 2013, after finishing two contracts, I've signed a third book
contract with Bethany House Publishers.

Moral of the story?

Good things come in
threes? *grin*

No seriously, the
real moral is that my trip to publication didn't happen overnight. I had pit
stops along the way, detours, and a long uphill climb. But through it all, I
never gave up my passion for writing. And no matter what the future may bring,
I know I'll always love writing.

I
love hearing from readers! Make sure you stop by one of these places and say
hello.I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is an
award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling books, The
Preacher's Bride, Unending Devotion, and A Noble Groom. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor
University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social
Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy
children.

Friend, what a fun spirit Jody conveys in her description of her writing journey led by God. Let's see here are a few she mentioned: She read every how to book about the topicShe took the rejection letter as a sign she was getting close to publicationShe also viewed rejection as trainingShe made her children a priority, but used her free time to writeShe entered a contest to get her break

Contests are great! A number of years ago I entered a contest with Quality Paperback Book Club for their anthology of short short stories. My tiny story was a winner and was included in their book, The Shortest Stories of All Time. It gave me the thought that perhaps I could write a longer story at some time in the future.

I am so glad to read the journeys of all the writers you interview, Mary. Each is so unique and glorifies God in showing the variety of good plans He has for people. Jody's books sound really good. It would be great to win it.

Hi, Linda!I so agree. Persistence is key to all our life success. Even if physically handicapped, there are so many ways we can have persistence to do as God has directed. Great thought. Thanks for joining us, today.

Thanks for sharing your journey to publication. I have 3 stories rolling around in my mind, but have yet to put any words on paper. I enjoy reading how new authors got their start and the steps they go through to create not only their story but the characters. rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

An inspiration! That sounds like these books have ministered to your heart. What a blessing. Especially since Jody has followed the calling God has given her. Thanks so much for your encouragement to her ministry, Kelsey.

As for entering several contests, it sounds like you have gained the most important ingredient: great feedback. Keep going, girl. Don't give up. Some day....some day. We'll walk together. I am waiting for my some day, too.

Thank you so much for stopping by Mary's blog today and reading about my journey to publication! I hope that you'll all have the chance to read my new release at some point! Make sure you check out my website for LOTS more chances to win a signed copy!

I loved the whole 'fish out of water' aspect of A Noble Groom. Carl - a nobleman was so out of place on a farm in Michigan. But he was a smart guy and was willing to work hard.I'm sure you would enjoy it.

I've read a couple of Jody's books and really enjoyed them. Her other books are on my want-to-read list. I'm glad she persevered in her writing when publication didn't come quickly. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Rebellious Heart.

I love Jody's books. Jody's perseverance, courage and faith kept her going and growing in her writing. I'm so thankful she didn't give up. Thank you for sharing with us. Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thank you!Barbara Thompsonbarbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Really enjoyed reading about your journey to becoming a published writer! I'm a reader, & as I've said before - knowing the process involved & the struggles endured - by writers - helps us appreciate & enjoy the books even more.

"She viewed rejection as training" - this is true of so many things in life. It is through the struggles (the training) that we learn the most, & the patience & reward gained by the wait makes us aware of the God's wonderful timing.

I love her books and I'm really excited about this one. Also glad I've found and connected with some of her other readers as well. I'm hosting a giveaway of Rebellious Heart on Sept. 2 at: http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

Brynne,So nice to see you, and yes, thank you for being a follower. I enjoy doing the book giveaways. The authors are so gracious sharing their stories both testimonial and their book. We are truly blessed here. Hope to see you again!

Thanks Mary for having Jody here for an review. An interesting one too. I think her taking her rejection as a sign that she was closer to being published, showed that she had a good strong outlook. Also, that she took the rejections as a learning time. Sounds like a pretty smart lady. I wish her continued success. Please put my name in the drawing. I've really been wanting to win this book. Thanks to you both for this give-away. I am a follower of this blog. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

I was looking for Laura Frantz book site today and I found Jody Hedlund story! I found Jody's story of how hard it was to get her wonderful books published, it's a huge sign to me that God wanted her to continue to write for to send a .message from God, I have all four of her books I love them all,! Jody's story really inspired me to work harder at my God's journey to continue being a Chaplain!I am now disabled and was told I couldn't continue to voulteer Being a Chaplain at the hospital as I have to wear oxygen as i have COPD and I have to wear oxygen! Which really surprised me because most of the patients are wearing oxygen,! So after reading Jody's story of hard it was getting published, I will try harder now too, ! As I said I just caught Jody's bio on here and thrilled to have read it! I found waiting seven years to be a new parent to her twins was. My favorite part of her bio! She gave up on being published for 7 years but continued to write! So she knows God's number one Thing for her to do first! I am also a twin, yes, I saw another reader is a twin also! Iove Jody's books and I think she is a great author,, I can't wait for her new book to come out, my favorite book is all of them but if I had to pick one it would be the "the Noble Groom because he cared so much for children and especially the cover of the book! It is even embossed! Reades please don't miss out on Jody's books as she is an awesome writer! You will be spending all night reading her books! You can't put them down! Please put Me on the list of this site and also Jody's site ! As I feel it an Honer to read Jody's books especially after reading her bio, see hard work pays off and you can still keep your passion going , and Keep God as your number person to please and honor,! Love your sister in Christ, Darleneu Lindstrom Luvnheal@gmail.com

Twitter Talk

My guests and friends

Photo Credit

Header photo from freedigitalphotos.net

FTC Rules

According to new FTC rules I must let you, the reader know, that all views shared on this blog are strictly my own. Books to review are either provided for me by the author, publisher or ones I have purchased and I am under no obligation whatsoever to present anything, but my true opinion on any product. I receive no monetary compensation for anything written on this blog. Any giveaways on this blog are provided by the author/ publisher and I am not responsible for any views they express in their work or on this site. Giveaways are void were prohibited and chances of winning are based on the number of applicants. A random winner is drawn when a book is given away.